Galashiels Masterplan January 2018 Stallan-Brand

Enabling Infrastructure

9247 Masterplan January 2018 Stallan-Brand

LANDSCAPE STRATEGY

1.0 Introduction • Improving the appeal of the shopping street and 4.0 Masterplan Areas improving accessibility and linkages to the public On behalf of Council and the Borders transport interchange The following 6 Development Parcels have been 3. Overhaugh Street Railway Blueprint Programme, Wardell Armstrong have • Creating spaces that users can connect with both identified in the Masterplan: The Landscape and Public realm vision is focussed been appointed to support the team in the development physically and emotionally – which leads to increased on smaller scale interventions to improve access and of the Galashiels Masterplan. footfall and time spent • Stirling Street- hotel development and Interchange connectivity as well as place appeal. We have identified The Masterplan represents a unique opportunity to • Realising increased saleability and rentability of the Linkage that there is an opportunity to work with the local review the functionality and the appeal of the town existing commercial property • Channel Street- major public realm investment creative community to develop gable end and lighting centre, build upon the momentum generated by the • Overhaugh Street- interventions to diversify use and solutions to significantly add to the experience of this and the future appeal of the Tapestry as There are three core landscape objectives: connectivity town centre street. a cultural destination. • Improve Connectivity • Bridge Street- new residential development and The landscape is integral to the character of Galashiels • Improve Vibrancy riverside walkway 4. Bridge Street and areas of significant investment in the public realm • Support Identity • Sime Place- new pedestrian bridge and public realm The Landscape and Public realm supports the have been made to support the vitality of the town. linked to a National Textiles Building and cultural architectural vision for residential dwellings strongly This reports aims to build upon the existing areas These interlinked objectives promote: quarter related to the waterside. A network of private, semi- of investment in the context of a town centre wide • Reconnection of the town centre, particularly to the • Linear Parks- improved accessibility and appeal of the private and public open spaces are created along with the approach and specifically respond to the key areas of Interchange through the creation of a walkable core waterfronts riverside path. investment identified in the Masterplan. and enhanced sense of arrival • Improved town centre legibility and accessibility for 1. Stirling Street 5. Sime Place 2.0 Landscape and Public Realm Appraisal all users through signage upgrades, consideration of The Landscape and Public realm is focussed on Improved connectivity and widened appeal are key a town centre wide Signage Strategy improving connectivity of the Interchange with the town to this location and the landscape and public realm Understanding the Opportunity • Greater connectivity with the water front through centre and supporting an enhanced sense of arrival. proposals build on the architectural vision for a new Environmental Improvements and new riverside Extended crossing and footway upgrades are envisaged destination building linked to the cultural textile hub. A Already the vital urban centre for a large number of walkways along with extension of the existing area of public realm new play space is created to improve the appeal of the neighbouring rural settlements, Galashiels has the • Rebalanced priority focused on pedestrian access investment at the footbridge to create a new arrival plaza. town centre to families and diversify the town’s offer. It opportunity to become a thriving Borders destination at and pedestrian footfall in the town centre through A new section of Gala Water walkway is included as well is envisaged that hard surface public realm spaces are the heart of the community. extended footways, decluttering and improved as opening up of the vegetation to improved riverside closely linked to building arrival spaces and café uses. Putting streets and placemaking at the heart of the connectivity views and sense of connectivity with the water. A new section of waterfront walkway and vegetation design process our approach aims to build on the existing • Improved community use and enhanced place appeal management is also proposed. strengths of Galashiels to create a place which embodies which can extend visitor dwell times and encourage 2. Channel Street the six key qualities of a successful place. greater events and civic uses The principal area of public realm investment, the 6. Linear Parks 1. Distinctive • Animation- the sense of a happening place, linked Landscape and Public Realm masterplan identifies that Galashiels connection with the water is one of its’ key 2. Safe & Pleasant to Galashiels’ existing established art and creative there are three key nodes where pedestrian footfall is identifying features. Currently, access is adhoc with 3. Welcoming community anticipated to be highest. The existing urban realm is now some paths in place but not consistent through the town 4. Adaptable • Sense of place and identity: Galashiels has a unique reaching the end of its product life and the street has centre. A connected walkway is proposed along with 5. Resource Efficient sense of place which includes the textile heritage but suffered deterioration, furniture clutter, adhoc parking and areas of vegetation removal and wider environmental 6. Easy to Move Around should also celebrate its contemporary role in Textile lower quality drainage installations. management of the banks to improve the succession, and Fashion education health and biodiversity of this key feature. 3.0 Landscape and Public Realm Objectives • Build on Tapestry momentum and the architectural We have identified that the primary focus of investment vision of an extended Market Square on the west and should be within these three nodes but there is a The historic mill lades are an asset but are currently Galashiels Town Centre has an exciting opportunity to east of the principal shopping street, Channel Street. significant opportunity to improve the quality along underutilised. A number of properties turn their back on capitalise on the footfall of the railway and the future • Use materials, detailing and elements to add interest Channel Street as a whole. Through consultation, we this feature and barbed wire, security fencing and fly visitors to the Tapestry building. However, it also needs and identity- potentially reinforced through a town have identified there is an opportunity to narrow the tipping significantly reduce appeal. The landscape and to diversify and extend its appeal to support its use as a centre wide Arts Strategy carriageway width, remove parking and extend the public realm masterplan identifies the need for a phased visitor destination and community hub town throughout footways. Key servicing and vehicle access needs should programme of interventions to improve the access and the year. Fundamental to the success of the town, is be retained. appeal over time as funding becomes available. This the appeal and vibrancy of its’ town centre. We have naturalistic landscape suits a low key treatment such as identified that the strategic investment in Channel Street crushed whin paths, vegetation clearances, new native is key, along with the link between the Interchange and groundcover planting and potentially limited areas of the town centre. These key landscape and public realm boardwalk. projects aim to support economic improvements through:

249 Galashiels Masterplan January 2018 Stallan-Brand

LANDSCAPE STRATEGY

5. Town Centre Wide Proposals 6. Consultation

The landscape and public realm of Galashiels is The public realm and landscape was a key element of interconnected and whilst we recognise that there are the discussions at the recently attended Place Styling several individual projects, there are a number of projects Event which saw local community representatives, which are town centre wide. These are: creative community representatives and local business representatives attend a walking tour and workshop. • Town Centre Arts Strategy: focussed on animating The event held on 24th May 2017 was hugely successful the town centre environment, strengthening the and was used as an opportunity to test the emerging town’s unique identity and supporting greater visitor landscape and public realm ideas along with the wider numbers/ increased visitor dwell times. Working masterplan. closely with the creative community, a series of short term installations could be programmed along with The key discussions and the link to potential projects funding applications for more permanent displays and is summarised from a landscape perspective below. features. Full details are provided in the supporting Place Styling Summary. • Town Centre Signage Strategy: considering opportunities for enhanced town centre accessibility and appeal through elements such as orientation board signs, town centre models, improved directional signage, town centre noticeboards and working with beacon technology.

• Town Centre Lighting Strategy: linked to an art strategy to improve the appeal and perceived animation of the town centre at night and during winter months. Consideration should also be made for Christmas lighting

• Environmental Improvements: Stretching the length of the town centre waterways, there is an opportunity to consider a strategy for environmental improvements that could be implemented over a phased basis. There is also an exciting opportunity to link with the arts and lighting strategies.

To support quality and consistency within the public realm, we have also developed an outline materials, softworks and furniture palette to inform a potential future detailed design guide.

Additionally, a key town centre wide recommendation is the need for a town centre champion with the power to control elements such as advertising boards/ low quality shop fronts and promote the town centre wide projects.

251 Galashiels Masterplan January 2018 Stallan-Brand

HARDWORKS LANDSCAPE STRATEGY

Key Public Realm - Very High Quality and Iconic

Natural stone: Sandstone paving for key Public Realm areas Walking trails identified through graphics/patterns in hardworks Paving patterns to represent local identity and history in textiles

Secondary Town Centre and Public Realm - High Quality and Classic

Granite aggregate paving for secondary areas Timber Decking Horonising

Wider Public Realm - Medium Quality and Functional

Building on and strengthening local identity Resin bound/asphalt riverside path Granite aggregate concrete block surfacing Walking trails identified through graphics/patterns in hardworks

253 Galashiels Masterplan January 2018 Stallan-Brand

SOFTWORKS LANDSCAPE STRATEGY

Key Public Realm - Very High Quality and Iconic

Street trees such as Pyrus chanticleer or Tilia cordata Ornamental areas Hedge planting: Formal Hedge

Secondary Town Centre and Public Realm - High Quality and Classic

Formal street trees Green walls Amenity grass

Wider Public Realm - Medium Quality and Functional

Building on and strengthening local identity Native wetland edge incl. birch and willows Amenity grass Natural Planting

255 Galashiels Masterplan January 2018 Stallan-Brand

LANDSCAPE STRATEGY - STREET FURNITURE

Key Public Realm - Very High Quality and Iconic

Lighting: Overhead lighting Planters with integral seating Informative signage

Secondary Town Centre and Public Realm - High Quality and Classic

Timber and granite: Seating Lighting: Overhead lighting Directional signpost

Wider Public Realm - Medium Quality and Functional

Building on and strengthening local identity Timber seating Bin stores Directional signpost

257 Galashiels Masterplan January 2018 Stallan-Brand

DRAINAGE & SUDS STRATEGY

ZONE 1 N E ZONE 5 W S

ZONE 4 LADHOPE VALE TRANSPORT EXISTING SURFACE WATER INTERCHANGE 450 CI - FW

600X450 -SW EXISTING FOUL WATER 225 VC - SW CURRIE ROAD

STIRLING STREET SURFACE WATER SURFACE 300 VC - FW DISCHARGE WATER LADHOPE VALE

300 VC - FW

FOUL WATER FOUL WATER FOUL DISCHARGE WATER

EXISTING SURFACE MARKET 450 CI - FW SURFACE WATER OUTFALL WATER GALA WATER 500 CI - FW EXISTING SURFACE 500 CI - FW WATER OUTFALL PARK GALA WATER EXISTING SURFACE EXISTING SURFACE

WATER OUTFALL WATER OUTFALL GALA WATER 225 VC - FW 500 CI - FW BRIDGE

STREET

225 VC - FW DOUGLAS SURFACE SURFACE 550 CI - FW WATER WATER STREET

BRIDGE PLACE 225 VC - FW WATER FOUL

FOUL

WATER FOUL WATER

SURFACE 300 VC - SW WATER FOUL WATER 450 VC - FW

225 VC - FW

375 VC -SW 225 VC - FW 300 VC - CS 225 VC - SW 450 VC - FW

BRIDGE STREET WATER

SURFACE SURFACE WATER

SIME FOUL PLACE WATER CHANNEL STREET

225 VC - FW 225 VC - FW STREET MARKET FOUL CHANNEL STREET WATER 375 VC -SW 300 VC - SW 225 VC - CS 300 VC - SW

WATER FOUL HIGH STREET SURFACE

WATER FOUL

WATER SURFACEWATER 225 VC - FW SURFACE

WATER FOUL WATER SURFACE WATER 225 VC - FW 300 VC - SW 300 VC - SW FOUL WATER OVERHAUGH STREET 225 VC - SW 225 VC - FW

OVERHAUGH STREET

225 VC - FW

MILL LADE MILL LADE ZONE 2

MILL LADE

ZONE 3

ZONE 6

The six proposed regeneration zones aim to promote existing surface water network ultimately discharges to an agreement in principle. In order to comply with this soft landscaping where possible, ultimately reducing the the Gala Water and therefore appropriate SuDS treatment regulation, the drainage will be designed in accordance existing impermeable catchments. This is particularly the are likely to be required within the development sites with the SuDS Manual, CIRIA C753, which was updated case for the ‘Linear Park’ zone which will look to expose to attenuate and treat the runoff. SuDS treatment and in 2015. the Mill Lade and incorporate Sustainable Drainage attenuation methods may include but are not limited to System (SuDS), targeting the four pillars of SuDS design: permeable paving, filter trenches, natural swales and Preliminary consultation has been made to Scottish water quantity, water quality, amenity and biodiversity. It rainwater harvesting tanks. Water in the form of submission of the Pre-Development is proposed that all development zones will connect to Enquiry forms. The proposed drainage design is to the existing public Scottish Water (SW) surface water and The proposed generated foul water is expected to comply with the guidance given in Sewers for foul water networks as appears to currently take place at discharge to the existing Scottish Water network, (3rd Edition) and will ultimately be subject to Technical these locations. ultimately collected via the 550CI Foul Water pipe flowing Approval by Scottish Water. eastbound along Gala Water. Prior to discharge to the SW surface water network, it is anticipated that surface water runoff will be attenuated to SEPA, under the Water Environment (Controlled the 1 in 2 year Greenfield return period where possible, Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011, will review the which is approximately equivalent to 4.5l/s/ha. The Surface Water Strategy and provide approval by way of 259 Galashiels Masterplan January 2018 Stallan-Brand

FLOODING

NETHERDALE FLOOD PREVENTION SCHEME (1987, 2014) · 1.3km DOWNSTREAM FROM PROPOSED N E DEVELOPMENT · EMBANKMENTS, WALLS & FLOODGATES TO FLOOD DEFENCE REQUIRED AS PART SOUTHERN BANK W S PLUMTREE & WILDERHAUGH FLOOD OF RIVERFRONT LANDSCAPING · PROTECTS NETHERDALE AREA TO THE 1 IN PREVENTION SCHEME (2010) 200 YR EVENT · 0.5km UPSTREAM FROM PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT · WALL TO NORTHERN BANK

1

e GALASHIELS FLOODING 7 ous yn H llw EMBANKMENT TO SOUTHERN BANK E · PROTECTS TOWN CENTRE UP TO THE 1 IN 75 YR EVENT POTENTIALLY VULNURABLE AREA (PVA) 13/04 Netherdale FPS Wall, Galashiels (Geograph – J.Barton 2015)

E RA B

STATION

CURRIE ROAD

LADHOPE VALE

STIRLING STREET

LADHOPE VALE

CUR RIE ROA GALA WATER D

PARK 1 BRIDGE

MARKET ABOUT

Tk R ROUND

GALA WATER LA WATE 4 GA GALA WATER STREET BRIDGE PLACE ge

ig Brid BRIDGE STREET e Cra rg o 5 Ge

SIME PLACE PLUMTREEHALL BRAE CHANNEL STREET STREET GALA WATER MILL RETAIL HUNTER'S PARK

S ES CBs T

2 ESS

Wilderhaugh

Court

STREET Mill Lead 3 114 KING STREET 13to20 1to12

11 13

OVERHAUGH14 Example flood protection wall – (Redi-Rock 17

59 13

QUEEN STREET 7 Flood walls) 5

Galabank Business MILL LADE STREET Park PATON

Sluice MILL LADE

MILL LADE 6

ALBERT PLACE

6

17 8

15

16

25 29 18

23 27

Burnside Brae

OW R

Whinwoods ELM

1 IN 10 YR RIVER FLOODING EXTENTS 1 IN 200 YR RIVER FLOODING EXTENTS HIGH LIKELIHOOD CULVERTED SECTIONS OF MEDIUM LIKELIHOOD (Extent is approximately defined and has been MILL LADE INLET FROM GALA WATER MILL LADE TO BE EXPOSED (Extent is approximately defined and has been recreated based on SEPA online Flood Maps) WITH AUTOMATED INLET CONTROL recreated based on SEPA online Flood Maps) Galashiels Gala Water (ITV Border, 2015)

SEPA and Scottish Water have advised that there is • Netherdale FPS (1987, upgraded 2014) Notable flood defences are likely to be integrated into the record of historical flooding within Galashiels from the Protects Netherdale area to the 1 in 200 year event design at the Hotel Site (Zone 1), Residential Site (Zone Gala Water and Mill Lade, in the vicinity of the proposed Located 1.3km east downstream from the proposed 4) and the Mill Lade Linear Park (Zone 6). The design regeneration zones. development. will aim to activate and utilise the riverside areas, whilst ensuring that the flood risk is unaffected and integrates Two existing flood prevention schemes (FPS) exist for The proposed drainage design will look to provide further with the Council’s Tweed Local Flood Management Plan Gala Water, consisting of earth/rock embankments and flooding defences as assessed to be required for the (July 2016). floodwalls. six regeneration zones. This assessment will look to integrate the proposed design with the Tweed Local The existing schemes are: Flood Risk Management Plan and further flooding studies • Plumtree & Wilderhaugh FPS (2010) currently being undertaken by the Scottish Borders Protects the town centre to the 1 in 75 year event Council. It is understood that the Scottish Borders Located 0.5km west upstream of the proposed Council is committed in undertaking a Galashiels Surface development Water Management Plan before 2020 and a Natural Flood Management Study before 2022.

261 Galashiels Masterplan January 2018 Stallan-Brand

TRANSPORT STRATEGY

The transport strategy for the masterplan has The strategy for Overhaugh Street is again to reduce concentrated on enhancing and building upon the existing the dominance of vehicular traffic. The overall vision is facilities within the town, rather than looking to introduce to create a “lanes” environment, with the emphasis on radical changes. Where possible, the historic dominance small, informal units covering a range of activities. It is of vehicular traffic, which has evolved over time, has the intention that vehicular access will be restricted to been challenged and the balance shifted back to more servicing only, allowing pedestrian activity to dominate. sustainable modes of transport. The southern end of Overhaugh Street would be incorporated into the proposed enhanced market square. The new Interchange, introduced as part of the Borders Railway project, is a key transport hub which should At Sime Place, the key opportunity is to reintroduce the be given greater prominence. Many of the measures pedestrian bridge over the Gala Water. This will greatly discussed in this masterplan review focus on improving enhance the overall permeability of the area and open the connectivity to, and prominence of, the Interchange up access to the river banks. Reinstating the bridge will building for pedestrians and non-vehicular traffic. also rejuvenate the space in front of the Mac Arts Centre, which currently languishes in a neglected cul-de-sac. At Stirling Street the emphasis has been on providing a sustainable level of parking for the proposed hotel, The transport measures outlined above are relatively recognising its key location next to the Interchange modest in nature, but will bring significant benefits to building. Improved connectivity between the Interchange the town in terms of increasing its attractiveness for and the town centre via Douglas Bridge and Channel visitors and inhabitants alike, allowing it to capitalise on Street has been proposed. the benefits to be brought by the re-introduction of the railway. For Channel Street itself, the strategy has been to remodel the public realm to reduce the dominance of vehicular traffic, which currently overwhelms the streetscape. Existing on-street parking, which is widely abused, will be heavily curtailed and restricted to disabled, servicing and taxis only. Footways will be widened and the running carriageway narrowed. Tentative proposals to reverse the direction of traffic on Channel Street have not been pursued as feedback from the public consultations suggested there was little appetite for the change.

263 Galashiels Masterplan January 2018 Stallan-Brand

CARBON STRATEGY

Key Considerations Low Energy Design Strategy

Key considerations when considering sustainable It is thought that to pass these building regulations, energy design and the incorporation of low zero carbon buildings will have to be constructed with a best practice technologies include: air tightness of around 3m3/(m2.hr) with a high efficient gas fired boiler and low energy lighting. There may be • Scottish Building Regulations: a need in some circumstances for a PV installation or • National Planning and Local Planning stipulations communal heating in the case of the flats. • District energy systems – potential for connection to existing infrastructure Taking design principals from the Irvine Bay regeneration, • Range of building types to include retail, where possible, any new buildings should be orientated supermarket, library, community centre, school and to maximise daylighting. It should also be noted that town housing building regulations will, in time, become more onerous. Therefore, alternate solutions for heating such as air source heat pumps may need to be utilised in future. Energy Hierarchy In terms of investigating district heating solutions two The fundamental strategy for the organic growth of both sites have been investigated, one in London and one in developments is to achieve a continued optimum energy Edinburgh. Both of these networks were constructed strategy using systems and technologies to reduce in line with a new development on brownfield and energy requirements, energy costs/waste and minimise greenfield land respectively. Due to the zones around environmental impact. Galashiels town centre being already developed it would not be technically or economically feasible to develop a It is proposed that the overall approach for the scheme new district heat network here. should follow an iterative ‘design hierarchy’ strategy, this process should be continuously considered There is however potential for the primary and secondary throughout the design and throughout each phase of the school in zone G to be linked by a new district heat development. network with the possibility of linking this with the flats in zone H. The council would support such a network if it can be accommodated without unacceptable significant Legislation & Guidance adverse impacts or effects, giving due regard to relevant environmental, community and cumulative impact The variety of building types and sites proposed within considerations. the Galashiels development creates challenges to mitigate the effect of climate change by reducing carbon In connecting to an existing network, there are none at emissions. This is the central pillar within the Scottish present near to the proposed zones. Building Regulations (Section 6) for domestic buildings (21% reduction in carbon emissions over 2010 standards) and non-domestic buildings (43% reduction in carbon emissions over 2010 standards). There are a number of design standards within the building regulations that need to be adhered to. In meeting these should help toward gaining compliance. At present, there are no carbon reduction targets specified in planning by The Scottish Borders Council.

265 Galashiels Masterplan January 2018 Stallan-Brand

UTILITY SERVICING STRATEGY

The proposed utility servicing strategy for the Galashiels development is summarised below:

Electricity Water

In order to assess the anticipated electricity demand of To assess the anticipated water demand of the proposed the proposed development sites, we have applied BSRIA development sites we have applied rule of thumb rule of thumb electrical loads to the various buildings. calculations, standard mechanical engineering design Our load study shows a total of 3.77MVA of new load. principals and utilised previous utility project experience. The load analysis of the Galashiels electrical infrastructure Our study provides estimated “un-diversified” loads indicates that the new load associated with the for each site identified as part of the overall masterplan Development Plan will not require any reinforcement of development. Load estimations have been passed to the Primary (33/11kV) substations or the general 11kV Goodsons Associates to enable a “Pre Development distribution network supplying Galashiels. Enquiry” to be raised with Scottish Water.

It is anticipated that four new secondary (11/0.4kV) Currently we have no budget cost figures for any substations will be required and one secondary proposed water works. We have opened dialogue with a substation will have to be upgraded. SPEN have national Multi-Utility company to try and obtain an initial assessed the requirements for each of the development budget quotation. sites and confirmed the total budget cost for the estimated electricity infrastructure alterations to support the development plan is £1,250,000. Telecommunications

There is extensive Openreach BT underground duct Gas infrastructure serving all properties within the town. Openreach have a license obligation to provide service to To assess the anticipated natural gas demand of the any new customer requiring a connection and developers proposed development sites we have applied rule of are not normally charged for this provision of service. As thumb calculations, standard mechanical engineering Openreach BT will not consider new developments until design principals and utilised previous utility project planning permission is granted and site plans of each experience. Our study provides estimated “un- individual development are available for them to plan diversified” loads for each site identified as part of the their network, no further proposals for new services will overall masterplan development. be available, however all new ducts will be free issue to the developers and as the area is well serviced no SGN have reviewed the load assessment and provided a major issues are anticipated. There are no major diversion brief written confirmation of any required reinforcement works likely to be required. works. Currently we have no budget cost figures for any proposed gas works. We have however opened dialogue High speed fibre broadband is available via BT within with a national Multi-Utility company to try and obtain an Galashiels. initial budget quotation. Vodafone have some limited underground duct and fibre network infrastructure in the centre of Galashiels. It is unlikely that Vodafone will invest in new infrastructure at this time.

267 Galashiels Masterplan January 2018 Stallan-Brand

Town Enhancement Services

In addition to the traditional statutory utility provision Smart Enabled Accessible Pedestrian Crossings such as gas, water and electricity, there are several The Button App provides an alternative to the traditional other opportunities to introduce further ancillary services button push at pedestrian crossing boxes. Over 10% of within the master plan development in order to provide the UK population (6.5 Million) have mobility impairments additional services to the community. that could result in an inability to press or even find pedestrian crossing boxes and cross safely. The Button The proven benefits of providing a free public Wi-Fi app allows the user to press the pedestrian crossing network include aiding and growing the towns economy button with their phones. This prepares the user to find and encouraging residents and visitors to stay longer the safest place to cross. KJ Tait Engineers have made and increase their spend. Users of the service will also initial enquiries to Neatebox https://neatebox.com/ who benefit from savings to their mobile data plans, by being developed the app for further information. able to access the internet at no cost, and without Free Public Wi-Fi within the Town Centre IBeacon Way finding and Tourist Information within the restrictions on time, while on-the-go. A number of towns Town Centre and cities have benefitted from this technology including Tourist Attraction and Retial Customer Service Experience Edinburgh. Improvement “Welcome” is a new app from Neatebox which helps iBeacon is a protocol developed by Apple and introduced customer service teams provide a five star level of in 2013. Various vendors have since made iBeacon- service to any person with a disability on entry to compatible hardware transmitters - typically called their store. Promoting equality as its core purpose and beacons - a class of Bluetooth device that broadcasts accessibility in customer service. KJ Tait Engineers have their identifier to nearby portable electronic devices. made initial enquiries to Neatebox https://neatebox.com/ The technology enables smartphones, tablets and other who developed the app for further information. devices to perform actions when in close proximity to an iBeacon. Within the redeveloped market square area of the town centre, there is the opportunity to introduce “pop-up” Edinburgh City Council recently launched their Edinburgh utility services for termporary stalls and performance Up Close: Footsteps Through Time app, the guide stages. These vary from local small power to full blown enables residents and visitors to choose their own large demand electricity and water services connections. walking tour through the famous Royal Mile. Users are The following link gives more information on possible able to trace the history linked to these streets to hear options http://popuppower.co.uk/ engaging stories about the alleyways and learn about the surrounding buildings and their famous or infamous The popularity of electric zero emissions vehicles is residents. Without the need for a Wi-Fi connection, increasing and it is estimated that Public Electric Vehicle visitors will be alerted when they reach a number of (EV) charge points will outnumber petrol stations in the historical landmarks. UK by the end of the decade, marking a potential tipping point in the adoption of zero emission vehicles. Further A similar experience could be provided to a more details on current EV charging stations is in the following Pop-Up Services and Electric Vehicle Charging informative tourist information guide to visitors to link khttp://chargeplacescotland.org/ Galashiels town Centre and its many points of historic interest. KJ Tait Engineers have made initial enquiries to a Leith based company called Neatebox https://neatebox. com/ who developed the application in conjunction with Edinburgh City Council and we have requested further information and feasibility of providing a similar guide within Galashiels.

Public Electric Vehicle (EV) charge points

269